Figuring it All Out

Beginning of the End

2012-02-04T09:14:00.000-06:00

And so my last semester has begun! My short two week break at Christmas seems so far away right now. January was a wonderfully long month. It was busy with clients and work but a chance to rest, celebrate, and enjoy life.
I am officially a week in to my last semester and already thinking about what does it mean to leave. It is February-CRAZY-and I have 3.5 months left here with a sweet community. What does it look like to leave well? To be present with them in relationship and to grieve the changes and the losses to come?
There is still a lot to be done between now and May. Continue seeing clients, continue school, my job(s), find a new job in a new city! But, in the middle of all those things I have many relationships to enjoy and celebrate presently.

Jan Term

2012-01-14T17:14:00.000-06:00

Jan term is about the best thing ever. School doesn't start until the 26th for me so I am enjoying as much of this break as I can. I am watching all the movies and tv that I can before I lose my free time. I have read the Hunger Games and am looking for another book to start. For Christmas I gave the kids a date with me so I have been out two weekends in a row to play around town. Lillian and I went to the zoo last weekend. Today SFB and I went to a movie and walked around downtown St. Charles.

Hoping to continue to enjoy my last week or so before life kicks back in to high gear again.

Christmas Break!

2011-12-22T11:40:00.000-06:00

Yesterday in celebration of being done for a few weeks my friend Alisha and I took a trip over to the Art Museum. The great thing about our museum is that it is free! It is the perfect place to visit in the winter when it is cold and dreary outside. While we were there we stopped by the ticket desk to see if there were tickets available for the Monet exhibition-there were! The SLAM currently has a tryptich of Monet's water lilies plus a few other pieces. It was a beautiful piece. Alisha and I sat there for probably an hour and just talked and looked at the artwork. Then we explored the rest of the museum. It was the perfect afternoon celebration to the ending of our semester. I think I want to spend more time at the museum, it was really enjoyable.

Oh and Happy Hanukkah! We are celebrating at work. I get to be a bystander and listen as the residents light the candles each night, pray in Hebrew and sing different songs. It is such a joy to be allowed a glimpse into different traditions.

Now back to packing and cleaning!

PS- I didn't take it. I'm not that much of a rule breaker. This is someone else's picture. I just wanted to give you an idea even though this picture just doesn't do it justice.

Advent

2011-12-12T15:45:00.000-06:00

I love the season of Advent. It is a season of longing and expectation as we look to the birth of our Savior, Jesus. It is a time in which we can see God's faithfulness woven through our story and through scripture. There were promises made, promises fulfilled and still we wait for the final promise to be finally fulfilled.

I feel like my time at Covenant has allowed me to feel and experience Advent and Easter in ways that I never had before. I can pray, Yes Lord Jesus come quickly and there is a deep yearning and a hope for Christ's return in ways that there never has been before. I have allowed myself to see and feel the brokenness of this world. Yet, it isn't all bad. We have a hope and a longing. I can look back at these past two years and see the faithfulness and kindness of a Father that loves me, who has gently led me through some dark and challenging times. He has sustained me just as he has continually sustained his people.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Refrain

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Refrain

Thankful

2011-11-25T10:21:00.000-06:00

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.

(Psalm 100 ESV)

What a season to be thankful! I wish I knew where my camera was so I could have taken pictures of our feast. What a glorious day it was yesterday to cook, fellowship, eat and drink with friends. Rebecca and Kerstin did an amazing job!

Looking back over this past year I have so much to be thankful. The Lord has placed me in such a sweet community here in STL. For two years I had neighbors who allowed me to be a part of their families and their chaos. He blessed me with sweet relationships and friends that are willing to speak truth in love. He has given me friends that see me for who God has made me to be and encourage me in that process of growth.

I have seen friends come and go as they move all across the country, and soon to be the world. He has opened my heart in ways that I never expected and through a process that was painful. He is continuing to do so and it is exciting to see and to feel differently.

I am thankful for my STL family. They love me well and have made me feel welcome. Lastly, for my family and their love and support and that the Lord is still at work in growing and shaping us.

I am thankful that we are His and He knows us!

Hallelujah

2011-11-17T08:08:00.000-06:00

Bethany Dillon's song:

Who can hold the stars
And my weary heart?
Who can see everything?

I've fallen so hard
Sometimes I feel so far
But not beyond your reach

I could climb a mountain
Swim the ocean
Or do anything
But it's when you hold me
That I start unfolding
And all I can say is

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah

The same sun that
Rises over castles
And welcomes the day

Spills over buildings
Into the streets
Where orphans play

And only you can see the good
In broken things
You took my heart of stone
And you made it home
And set this prisoner free

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah

---------------------
A sweet friend gave me a cd and a note with this song on here the other day and I have been listening to it a lot since then. The end of the semester is slowly making its way here. I am definitely feeling weary and looking forward to the little rest that Thanksgiving break will bring.

This semester has been one that has been non-stop (why you don't hear from me much). The Lord has been a constant though as I am having to wrestle through who I am, who he is, and who is he making me to be. Of course all of these questions hit the hardest when I am in the middle of internship!

Mid-semester

2011-10-20T22:47:00.000-05:00

Well it is October. It is mid-semester here. Those first two sentences can carry a lot of weight or a little weight depending on who you are. This time of the semester is absolutely crazy. Plus, throw in the fact that it is my internship year. I feel like the Lord has been growing and stretching me in leaps and bounds this semester. It is so encouraging to see and hear change in my own life and heart.
I am learning to recognize how I relate to people, how to do it differently, and how I have been impacted by other relationships. God, by his grace has given me sweet friends to walk with me through this hard process of sanctification.
This week I decided I had what one of my counseling books would call a "corrective emotional experience." I don't really encourage you to go looking for them because they aren't always fun. They are definitely redemptive experiences as God continues to show his kindness and love to us but a challenge as we see are own brokenness and the Lord at work.

In class this week one of my professors asked us, "Do you believe people can change?" Of course I want to say yes. But really there are some days I wonder if they will. I always want to hope they will but knowing there is risk in investing, in hoping for the change of another. This professor pointed us to Philippians 1:6, He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus. We then looked at Philippians 3:4-16. We have hope for change. Christ is at work in us and in others. Even though I struggle to see change in some and even begin to hope for them, the Lord is at work and will continue on in it.

Thanks for partaking of some of my ramblings as I am processing through things I am learning and experiencing this semester. It is all a work in progress.

The Crazy Life

2011-09-17T09:46:00.000-05:00

Life right now is crazy. I am pushing through some 12 hour days right now between work and school and man let me tell you it is tiring! The highlight of the week is Wednesday. I have absolutely nothing to do on Wednesday. So I stay home, read, write papers, drink tea and listen to music. It is glorious. That will be my day again today, plus putting my life back in order. The busier the week is the more out of control my room gets. I feel like this week I reached an all time low. Not that I'm making excuses, but not coming home until 9:30 and 10:30 almost every night of the week will do a girl in!

If you need me this weekend you can most likely find me at home catching up on the rest of life!

Jealousy!

2011-09-02T08:12:00.001-05:00

Slightly jealous. In case you haven't heard, I live with a sweet family. They are the next best thing to my own but I will claim each of them as a part of my family. They are leaving on a weekend adventure today and I wish I was going too! They are headed to the happiest place on earth, no not Disney. Auburn! Oh, the Loveliest Village! Happy Game Day Weekend everyone. Football season is here!! Whoohoo.

War Damn Eagle!

Started!

2011-08-31T09:10:00.000-05:00

My final year has started! It is crazy to believe that I moved to St. Louis two summers ago. I am starting my third and final year at Covenant! Man how time flies. the Lord has been gracious to me during this season of life. He has blessed me with some sweet families and friends whom I can turn to. He has stretched me in ways that I was not expecting. I know it is not over yet. This year still holds a lot for me. If you thought the past two years were a roller coaster with me, just wait! Internship is guaranteed to be a ride. Hang on with me as I continue to learn of the Lord's goodness and mercy. And as I continue to see and feel the depths of brokenness in our world and long desperately for Christ to return and make all things new. So beings final leg of graduate school!

Colorado!

2011-08-16T14:18:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I headed up to Denver to check out the city and visit the Wood Family. It was my first trip to Colorado and I loved it. The flight in was definitely not my best. There is a first time for everything and it was for sure the roughest flight I have ever been on. I need to be sure to travel with Dramamine (or Phenergan) next time I will. My time with the Woods was sweet. It was so good to spend time with Barb, Andy and the kiddos.

Friday I had coffee with one of the local CTS grads who is establishing her counseling practice. I walked away from that conversation thinking we could be friends. I really enjoyed hearing about her experiences in Denver but also learning about her as a person.

I ate at a great Mexican place downtown Rio Grande, the food was really fresh and had great flavor. There are multiple locations, C. Also, I went to Dazbog coffee a couple times. Great outdoor patio, plus you can bike to several of their locations. I think what I loved about being in the city was that you could bike to everywhere, or walk. You could also catch their light rail to get where you want to go.

Saturday I went up to the mountains with the Woods. It is amazing. We went hiking in Silverthorne which is near Keystone, Frisco, and Breckenridge. We stopped off in Frisco to pick up some beer at Andy's favorite local brewpub. I really enjoyed the beers we got from Backcountry Brewery. I was really thankful to be hiking with four small children because I am really out of shape so it was nice to have a slower pace, not because of me but because of the kids!

Barb and Andy are a part of a church plant in metro Denver. Sunday night I joined them and the rest of their team at a vision and prayer meeting. I loved meeting the different people that showed up as well as other members of their team.

I think I was most surprised by the weather this weekend. The sun is really hot in Denver. When you are in the sun it gets really hot, but being in the shade makes a huge difference. I was told that winters in Denver are actually better than winters in STL which is really encouraging to hear. Because the sun is so strong in Denver whenever the sun comes out it melts the snow rapidly as opposed to STL where you go days without the sun and end up suffering from SAD. Denver has much more sun during the winter months which I really like.

2011-07-31T18:30:00.000-05:00

That's right, it has been almost a month since I have posted. Life has been a little crazy this month. I was in class for two weeks from 8am-5pm and I think every ounce of my energy was zapped from that. The week post class I spent holed away in the library working on class assignments. If you need me this week I will be there again. Life has been hard and challenging this summer as the Lord continues to stretch and refine me. There have still been more goodbyes to fill the summer which is always saddening.

This weekend though was a whirlwind with most of the family here for a visit. We ate our way through STL. Now, I need a week or two of serious working out. We hit three donut shops, Anheuser-Busch and Schlafly tours, Crown Candy Kitchen, hung out with my STL family, walked the Botanical Gardens and made our way around town. Now back to the real world. So thankful to rest today!

sweetness

2011-07-06T11:42:00.000-05:00

These girls know the way to my heart. What a fun and sweet way to end a day. All four of us are currently in different cities for work and vacation and yet because of technology we are all able to share a few laughs and stories with each other. Thank you to these wonderful ladies for being such a blessing in my life! Last night was a technology victory for all four of us!

Moving!

2011-06-30T08:31:00.000-05:00

Today is my final day on campus. I am washing my sheets now and will pack up all that remains to move over to the new house tonight! I'm halfway unpacked at the new house but still have lots left to do. I forgot how many shoes I own! Looking forward to settling in this next week.

oldie but a goody

2011-06-16T13:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I spent some quality time with Nana. We went out to lunch and then back to her house to look at pictures. We went through 8 reels of slides. We found some really great pictures from mom's childhood. Here are a couple for enjoyment.

Wrestling or Rasslin'

2011-06-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I spent a few days in Lawrenceville, GA (not to be confused with Atlanta). MTW had a Vision Retreat for three days that I attended to learn more about short and long term options. The weekend at MTW headquarters was wonderful. I had the opportunity to interact with many of the staff members and recruiters from the organization. Different departments shared what they do, their interactions with missionaries, and why so many of them have been there 10+ years. I think what I loved most about this experience was seeing how much the MTW staff cares for, loves, and prays for their missionaries. While there I also got to hear from five different missionary families. I had some really valuable time learning about the missionaries, sharing my story with them and getting really great feedback. We also spent time in prayer with each other which was wonderful. I met missionaries from Australia, Australia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Peru. All of them in different stages of time in the field. I appreciated the honesty of the missionaries as they shared their experiences, their struggles and God's faithfulness through it all. They talked about God's sovereignty, his perfect plan, and our own pride.
I think my favorite part of the trip was that I had time for great one on one conversations with many of the missionaries to learn more about them and their experiences. They were interested in hearing about me and my call. Dr. Kooistra, the head of MTW talked with us about support raising and what it means to be called.

My prayer is that the Lord would continue to make my next steps clear. That he would continue to give me clarity as I move forward in my final year at CTS. That he would give me a burden for a people group whether it is stateside or abroad and that my heart would be open to his direction and call on my life.

To those that are considering the Vision Retreat (you know who you are), I highly recommend it. Even if the area of the world you are interested in serving is not present MTW will arrange a time for you to speak with someone from the Resource Team to learn more about opportunities. The time with staff and missionaries was very encouraging. They were able to answer questions and concerns. I still do not know what my next steps will be but feel at peace and encouraged knowing that I can't make a wrong decision about it.

Another pictureless one

2011-06-10T17:59:00.000-05:00

Sorry folks. Not too much to capture around here. Life has been slow lately with no class, not much work and a lot of hanging out. I am trying to enjoy the slowness as it is all about to change in a few weeks!
I leave town tomorrow for my vacation in Huntsville. I will be around town from Tuesday until Monday. After my stint at home I will hit the ground running here in STL with internship! I will start seeing clients soon after I get back. I have 2 already!
My goal now is to have as much packed as possible for my move at the end of the month so it won't be too terrible come the final days.

Officially...

2011-06-03T11:30:00.000-05:00

It feels like summer. The Browns were kind enough to include me in the family pool package this summer. Now, I have access to the pool any time I want! After my first trip to the pool this week it really does feel like summer. Oh how I have missed the pool. STL pools are not your average, run of the mill community pool. These things have big slides, lazy rivers and zero entry play areas. It is like your own small water park for the community. It sure beats the heck out of the swim team pool.
Now, all I need is some shaved ice to seal the deal that summer is here!

Summer transitions

2011-05-27T17:27:00.000-05:00

And so I enter in to another new season. Summer you think is supposed to be here but it was in the 50's yesterday and low 60's today. Summer, I think is confused about its timing. The one thing I do know about the timing right now is that it is really hard. What they don't tell you about seminary is that you will make really amazing friends, establish deep relationships with families and friends and then they up and leave to go serve the Kingdom somewhere else in the world. It stinks!! (edited for my mother)

Some of these people I may not get to see again until glory. The most interaction I may get with them is Facebook, thank you technology. But having your heart ripped out multiple times this summer as you watch friends and families leave in their moving trucks and cars is depressing.

I think the hardest part for me is knowing all of my favorites from my two years here are leaving. My support system has been completely overturned. The Lord has been gracious and blessed me with sweet neighbors, roommates, and classmates-all of which will be changing. I've got a big summer ahead. Your prayers are coveted this summer as I seek direction for next steps. I am looking forward to my new house mates. I look forward to fun times ahead with them!

Finals week

2011-05-10T08:36:00.000-05:00

It is finals week here. I am closing out my second year of seminary-CRAZY! It has gone by super fast. It never fails though I always catch something or get sick for finals. I guess it is the whole semester finally catching up with me. At least this time it is just a sinus infection of some kind! I'm a little less than a week away from being done. I only have one paper and two finals to go. Prayers appreciated!

Final days

2011-05-05T11:41:00.000-05:00

Oh what a sweet week this has been. I LOVED having my family here to spend time with them! Kim, Trevor and the kids have worn me out this week. We spent time at the Botanical Gardens, Science Center, and Zoo-all of which are FREE!!! The weather was not quite as warm as we all had hoped for but we still had a really good time. I was able to take my first trip to the science center with the Hackmans on Tuesday. I have many fond memories of going to hands-on science centers/museums as a kid. I feel like many of our family trips included stops to these places. Mom always made things "educational". The STL science center has a great dinosaur exhibit and architecture and space. Plus, you can walk across the highway and look through windows in the floor of the bridge at cars passing under you. You can even use speed guns to check the speed of cars! How fun!

I really enjoyed watching Kim and Trevor parent and love on their kids this week. It was such a joy to watch them as a family have fun and do life together. Thanks for letting me be a part of your family for the week. I loved every minute of it.

Rainy days of May

2011-05-02T17:19:00.000-05:00

It is May and it is a cool 45 here. Yesterday was warmer and nicer. I was able to spend some quality time with Kim and Kier while Trevor hung out with the younger two for nap time. We all got to enjoy some coffee and baked goods at Kaldi's. Even though my time yesterday was short with the family I enjoyed getting to hang out with Kim.

Today was our chilly day at the zoo. Kim, the kids and I hung out for a bit before I had to jet for the day. We got to spend the morning playing in the Children's zoo, petting sting rays, and riding the carousel. We had a really good morning running around the zoo!

They're Here!!

2011-04-30T22:03:00.000-05:00

It is the weekend I have been waiting for-my cousin is here! Kim, Trevor and the kiddos came to STL this weekend for work and a vacation. It has been almost two years since I have seen them! I have more or less given up school for the short time they are here so that I can maximize my time with them just in case it is another two years until I see them again. As soon as they rolled in to town we grabbed dinner at Pi in the Central West End. If you come through town you really should try it. Their deep dish pizza is amazing. It is a cornmeal crust-really different from a crust you would be expecting. They also put their sauce on top.

Today we spent the day at the Botanical Garden with some dessert on the Loop at Fitz's. The weather was perfect all day! It was sunny and warm so we were able to enjoy all of the flowers and a walk at the Loop. I think we will all sleep well tonight. I know I will!

He is risen!

2011-04-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

This was my first Easter to not go home. I stayed here to celebrate with friends and be at my church here in STL. It was a busy weekend here for me of food, fellowship, and school. I spent time with friends, other families, and my books. Being a part of the Covenant community has been such a blessing these two years I have been here. I do have to say I am sad I missed the egg hunt and basket at home, but I really enjoyed the meals and fellowship here with friends and families.

I didn't take any pictures but thought I would include the egg hunt picture from HSV.

*And to anyone who was concerned, the tornado went north/south of me here in STL. It did hit one of my fellow student/church members house and car. They are both ok. Otherwise, we are just in the midst of our April showers.

Need a House?

2011-04-21T14:05:00.002-05:00

I have a friend selling their house in STL. If you are searching for one it is beautiful! They have done a great job with it. Good neighborhood, fun restaurants, close to World's Fair Donuts! Check out her house! If you are searching for a house in STL.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

2011-04-13T16:19:00.000-05:00

I feel like I have been living life in a holding pattern lately. I have been waiting for things to happen. I do not really know what my next steps will be so I am just waiting for a little direction or for doors to open or close. Today, one of those doors closed. I applied to Maryville University for an internship for this next year and I am not one of the candidates they will be interviewing. Back to the drawing board. I was hoping for MU but had a feeling that I wasn't going to be there. I emailed the counseling office to see what the next step for placement will be for me.
So continues the holding pattern for my life. So much is unknown and not yet revealed to me yet. The one thing I do know is that the Lord is faithful. That he is has brought me thus far and will continue to carry me on through these unknowns. I look forward to seeing where He places me for internship. I also look forward to seeing where He places me post-graduation!

A Process

2011-04-06T16:19:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have hearing from people how life is a process. I myself have been experiencing life as a process. One thing that I think I can take away from this semester overall, both in the classroom and out is that we are in process. The Lord is at work in us. Some days I wish his work was complete. Obviously, I'm not standing with him in glory and he has not returned to renew all things, SO he is still at work.

I have spent a lot of time in Romans 5 this semester, apparently some of my professors have too. One of them pointed out this week that it is part of a process. He was giving perspective to our suffering, whatever that may be. The Lord is daily, maybe moment by moment refining each of us. Some days I feel like it takes for freakin' ever! But I know in the end the results will be glorious. Our Father doesn't disappoint. He is a loving Father who is looking out for us. He knows our every want and cares deeply for us. He can handle my questions and for that I am grateful.

[Peace with God Through Faith]
[5:1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
(Romans 5:1-5 ESV)

Feeling blessed

2011-03-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

This past week has been my spring break. It has been busy and restful and sleep deprived. Tuesday I celebrated my birthday with friends that were still around town. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I spent a lot of time on the phone with friends and family talking and catching up. I have sweet friends that took me out for all three meals of the day and gave me amazing gifts. This week even though I had a crazy schedule and wasn't able to return many phone calls or emails I have felt blessed by the many relationships and friends that I am surrounded by. The Lord is good at reminding me that I am well loved. Thank you friends for celebrating with me and making me feel special!

Spring Break

2011-03-14T08:42:00.000-05:00

It is spring break in Alabama. Hope you are enjoy the warm weather, beaches and pool. We are enjoying are 1-3 inches of snow with a little sleet mixed in. I can only keep dreaming of the Florida beaches. One day.

We interrupt

2011-03-02T16:21:00.001-06:00

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Symphony

2011-03-02T09:10:00.000-06:00

Last Friday I adventured in to the city to see the symphony with one of my classmates. I think other than an elementary school field trip this was my first trip. I loved it! The STL Symphony has Friday morning performances with coffee, donuts and discussions prior to them performing. The performance is much more casual than their evening ones would be. I enjoyed my morning out with Alisha and the whole performance. It was worth the $10 ticket and I would highly recommend going again! Yes, only that much because they have student discounts! They also have free single seating tickets that you can try to get right before a performance if all the seats aren't filled. How fun is that!

The symphony was featuring a violinist, one of reasons we went. It was a great performance . Check out the options to go! They have an expensive but what sounds like a really cool performance coming up next month doing Lord of the Rings!

Weekend Adventures

2011-02-20T15:32:00.000-06:00

This weekend I have had so much fun hosting Jenna! I think we have worn each other out every day thus far. We are both sleeping hard each night. We have been to the zoo, the City Garden, an Orchid show at the Botanical Garden, Schlafly for a meal, Pi for another meal-the cornmeal crust was absolutely amazing! We had some frozen custard, checked out the Arch and even managed to squeeze in a trip to Costco and Trader Joe's.

If you are in town during the orchid show at the botanical gardens I highly recommend checking it out.

What is Love?

2011-02-15T23:49:00.002-06:00

God's got a funny sense of humor. I had a conversation with someone yesterday and she asked me, "What have you learned about yourself recently?" After reflecting, I said, "That I am well loved by many people."

Now, you may be saying, DUH, Mary Martha. Look at your family, your friends, your neighbors. Of course you are well loved! You are and have always been surrounded by people that love you. I think it is one of those head and heart things. You know, but do you really "know" it. Being someone who appears to be "even-keeled" and not easily ruffled it is easy to plow through life very independently not allowing others in to experience life with me. It also doesn't allow me the chance to "be enjoyed" by others. (A phrase that makes me cringe, but I am growing to understand it more and more). All of this means that yes, I know I am loved. I have heard I am loved. Do I really get it though?

In the midst of transitions, hard summers and confusing events the Lord has placed people in my life that love me well. They have been sweet reminders of how much He loves me. Their love for me is just a small glimpse of how deeply the Lord does care for and love me. Yes, I am just a wretched sinner that is undeserving and yet I am more loved and cared for than I ever deserved or imagine.

I have been blessed by friends who call and leave sweet voicemails and text messages.
Friends that send me care packages. [Yes, cookies were included in this at one point =)]

Friends that send me flowers.
Parents that send me care packages and surprise bouquets of flowers!

Friends that cook amazing meals, buy me gatorade when I'm sick, sit with me, cry and laugh with me, and bless me with their sweet children.
Friends that send me cards.
Friends that encourage me with their words when I need it.
Friends that just let me be.

I am surrounded by such a sweet community of friends that love and care for me. God was sweet in reminding me yesterday, Valentine's Day, how much he does love me through these many relationships that I am in. It was a love filled and blessed day.

Someone asked me today how I was doing. My response, Really well, Really loved.

[9] Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
(Romans 12:9-13 ESV)

Dove

2011-02-07T11:12:00.000-06:00

I've grown up using Dove soap. The smell of the original bar actually reminds me of Meemaw. I'm taking a weekend class at the end of the month called Women in Ministries. For this class she had us watch these two Dove Campaign for Real Beauty videos. I've seen some of their commercials before but thought I would share these videos. I think the first one is pretty eye opening to how "plastic" our culture is. It is so fake and airbrushed. The second one is very sweet. Hope you enjoy the videos.

Crazy Friends

2011-02-03T08:14:00.000-06:00

Chick-fil-a opened a few blocks away this morning. A bunch of my friends camped out last night in the sub-zero temps to be in the 1st 100 for the year supply of free Chick-fil-a. I think they are crazy but they got their free food!

No school.

2011-02-01T13:32:00.000-06:00

School is cancelled today. We are supposed to have snow, right now it is somewhere between 1/2-3/4 inch of ice. We have been getting little tiny sleet pellets since I woke up this morning. It has been hysterical to watch because it only just started and everyone already has cabin fever!

The men on campus aren't used to being cooped up for such extended periods of time so they are all trying to find ways to get out! It may be a long few days stuck inside! I'm just thankful I can hang out with my neighbors and I don't have to stay in my apartment the WHOLE time.

Enjoy the views from outside my window! I plan on eating soup and drinking tea!

No thanks, I'll pass...

2011-01-30T20:56:00.003-06:00

... WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO NOON CST WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ST LOUIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR FREEZING RAIN... SLEET... AND SNOW... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO NOON CST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* TIMING... LIGHT FREEZING RAIN WILL DEVELOP ON MONDAY AND CONTINUE IN WAVES MONDAY NIGHT. THE FREEZING RAIN WILL OCCASIONALLY MIX WITH SLEET AND SNOW LATE MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY MORNING AND EVENTUALLY CHANGE TO ALL SNOW TUESDAY EVENING. THE SNOW WILL END WEDNESDAY MORNING.

* ACCUMULATIONS... ICE ACCUMULATIONS BETWEEN 1/2 AND 3/4 INCH ARE LIKELY... WITH HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE. SLEET AND SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE FROM AROUND 3 INCHES ACROSS SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS TO 6 TO 12 INCHES IN PARTS OF WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND EASTERN MISSOURI.

* WINDS... NORTHWEST WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH WILL GUST TO 40 MPH TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY.

* IMPACTS... SIGNIFICANT ICE ACCUMULATION AND GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS MAY LEAD TO WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES. THE COMBINATION OF ICE... SLEET AND SNOW WILL MAKE ROAD CONDITIONS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND THIS COULD LIMIT TRAVEL FOR DAYS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TRAVEL WILL BECOME DANGEROUS ONCE THE FREEZING RAIN BEGINS. TRAVEL IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY. AVOID ANY DOWNED POWER LINES AND BE READY IN CASE OF A LOSS OF POWER. UNTREATED ROADS AND BRIDGES... SIDEWALKS... AND PARKING LOTS WILL BE TREACHEROUS. ADDITIONALLY... 6 INCHES OR MORE OF SNOW IS EXPECTED ACROSS PARTS OF THE AREA. THE RAPID ACCUMULATION OF SNOW WILL MAKE TRAVEL EXTREMELY DIFFICULT... IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE. IF TRAVEL IS NECESSARY... MAKE SURE TO EXERCISE CAUTION. BEGIN YOUR TRAVEL WITH A TANK FULL OF GAS... AND CARRY A WINTER STORM KIT WHICH INCLUDES A SHOVEL... FLASHLIGHT... CELLPHONE... AND BLANKETS OF EXTRA WARM CLOTHING.

More Information

... DANGEROUS WINTER STORM TAKING AIM ON REGION BEGINNING MONDAY...

.A WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION... MOSTLY IN THE FORM OF FREEZING RAIN... WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE AREA LATE TONIGHT INTO MONDAY AND CONTINUE IN WAVES THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT. THE PRECIPITATION WILL MIX WITH SLEET AND SNOW ACROSS CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST MISSOURI AND WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS ON MONDAY AFTERNOON AND MONDAY NIGHT... BECOMING ALL SNOW AS COLDER AIR WRAPS INTO THE SYSTEM. FREEZING RAIN WITH A LITTLE SLEET WILL BE THE PREDOMINANT PRECIPITATION TYPE FURTHER TO THE SOUTHEAST ACROSS EAST CENTRAL MISSOURI AND SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS. SLEET... SNOW... AND FREEZING RAIN WILL CONTINUE ON TUESDAY... WITH THE MIXED PRECIPITATION CHANGING TO ALL SNOW BY TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

THE GREATEST SNOWFALL AMOUNTS WILL LIKELY OCCUR ACROSS CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST MISSOURI AND WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS... WHERE AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF 12 INCHES WILL BE LIKELY. ICE ACCUMULATIONS IN EXCESS OF 3/4 INCH ARE LIKELY ACROSS EAST CENTRAL MISSOURI AND SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS.

THE SNOW WILL END DURING WEDNESDAY MORNING BUT WINDS WILL INCREASE BEGINNING LATE TUESDAY AND CONTINUE THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY AS THE STORM SYSTEM DEEPENS ACROSS THE OHIO RIVER VALLEY. BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW AS WELL AS AN INCREASED RISK OF DAMAGE AND POWER OUTAGES DUE TO THE ICE ACCUMULATION WILL LAST INTO WEDNESDAY MORNING.

Slow Saturday

2011-01-22T18:16:00.000-06:00

Today has been a perfect Saturday before school starts for the semester. I met with one of the women from church for breakfast and Bible study. Our time this morning was one of the best I think we have had yet. Our conversation was more real and we were both able to share about our lives.
I spent the rest of the morning and afternoon cleaning the apartment and hanging out with one of my roomies. As exciting as that may sound to you, I loved it. We don't get quality time together often so today was special. Plus, who doesn't love a clean house?!
After cleaning and talking and a little bit of putt-zing around we ventured off to Winslow's Home for a snack and conversation. Really, my lunch was a brownie, a goat cheese cookie (you must try one), and coffee. The company, conversation, and food were fantastic. We spent three hours eating, drinking, and chatting. I highly recommend a slow Saturday, especially if it involves good conversation and a goat cheese cookie!

Jan Term

2011-01-19T09:47:00.000-06:00

Jan term started right after the new year and I have spent my month enjoying life here in STL! We also got a good bit of snow here though it doesn't have quite the same effects as it does in the south. Covenant did delay the opening of school by an hour to allow for the clearing of roads one morning. Too bad it didn't impact any class I was taking!

The first picture doesn't do it justice but it is a long way up the hill without snow. Put snow on the ground, snow boots, and pull a sled with a small child behind you up the hill and you have a killer workout! After getting cold enough we all came home for a warm lunch and to curl up under some blankets! It was a great first trip to Art Hill!

One snowy day I adventured out with Rebecca and her kids to sled at Art Hill. Art Hill is in Forest Park. The hill is huge and people from all over town come to sled on snow days. They put hay bales at the foot of the hill to stop people from running in to the pond at the very bottom! It was cold and windy but my hot hands did their job and we had a blast!

Just in case

2011-01-12T10:04:00.000-06:00

You have been living under a rock...Auburn WON the National Championship!!! War Damn Eagle!!

No, I didn't get to go to Glendale. No, I didn't get to go to Auburn. I had my sweet Auburn family here in frozen STL to watch the game with. It was a great night of food, fellowship and an amazing game!

So excited that we have bragging rights for the next year!

Sara Groves

2011-01-09T18:09:00.000-06:00

I love some Sara Groves. She speaks truth in her lyrics and I have spent A LOT of time listening to her over the past year and a half. Different songs hit home at different times depending on the week or the day. This one though, Something Changed, speaks to my past year at Covenant. A lot happened during 2010. There was a lot of personal and spiritual growth. God became so much bigger to me. I have felt the tension of living in the "already-not-yet" in a way I have never felt it before. "Already-not-yet" meaning we live between the ages. We live in the time post Christ coming and redeeming us from our sins, but not being fully redeemed. We feel the weight of the broken world we live in. We also long and hope for Christ's return in which he will renew all things.

The Lord is still working on those walls around my heart but he has definitely broken them down. I'm sure 2011 holds another year full of the Lord working in my heart.

Something Changed

By Sara Groves

Something changed inside me broke wide open all spilled out
Till I had no doubt that something changed
Never would have believed it till I felt it in my own heart
In the deepest part the healing came
And I cannot make it
And I cannot fake it
And I can't afford it
But it's mine
Something so amazing in a heart so dark and dim
When a wall falls down and the light comes in
And I cannot make it
And I cannot fake it
And I can't afford it
But it's mine

2010 in a few pictures...

2011-01-03T14:53:00.000-06:00

Nashville trip

2011-01-03T14:34:00.001-06:00

New Year's day the ladies and I made a quick trip to Nashville before we all had to start back at work and school for the New Year. Katherine, Emily, Laura and I had a fabulous girls night hanging out, eating, drinking and laughing!

We had a great dinner at Pie in the Sky Pizza and then headed out to Opryland hotel to walk around and have some dessert and coffee. I don't know why I think I can drink coffee at night, even if it is only 1/2 caffeinated because I was still up all night! These ladies are such a blessing to hang out with. I loved our time together and so glad we were able to squeeze in a trip before the New Year got under way. Thanks for such a fun trip!

Still breaking

2010-12-29T10:12:00.000-06:00

What I love about coming home is seeing sweet friends like these ladies! Taking the time to catch up and laugh and hear about what the Lord is doing in each of our lives. It is amazing how politics can bring people together!

Still more people to see before the week is over and Little Rosie's to fill my belly!

Christmas, briefly

2010-12-28T15:21:00.000-06:00

This year we had a low key, but very exciting Christmas! Both the boys were very excited to have a white Christmas! Me on the other hand, I was trying to get away from the snow and the cold! Daniel and Doug worked hard to make a big snow pile in the middle of the sidewalk. I think they got most of the snow rolled out of the front yard!

We spent the morning hanging out together, opening presents and eating a really good breakfast. Thurman and Sunny both took part in the festivities. It has been nice to be home and relax, to see friends and read for fun. I have a week left of vacation and then back to work!

Christmas Music

2010-12-18T12:58:00.000-06:00

I do love Christmas music. It is great to listen to when studying for finals. Those thankfully are over with for the semester! But, Amazon has a free song download every day this month! You can get a Christmas song every day. How fun is that! Thanks for sharing the Christmas spirit with us Amazon. Just thought you should know.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Banquet

2010-12-10T12:47:00.000-06:00

Last weekend was the Covenant Christmas Banquet. It is hosted by the Student Council (me). I had a final on Thursday night and the banquet on Friday. I also was one of the people making the decorations for the banquet so I had a super busy week. Of course, I didn't take any pictures of the centerpieces, but they looked really good! I was channeling my inner Allison/Sandra as I was trying to be budget friendly and make pretty centerpieces.

We had a live band and your typical hotel food but it was a great night. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends but was definitely glad when the night was over!

To catch you up...

2010-12-05T21:02:00.001-06:00

So I have gone off the radar lately as life has been really busy. I am in the midst of finals, papers and work. I celebrated Thanksgiving here in STL with 14 other people. My roomie, Katie and I hosted the party and a friend's house and had a great time. We had more food and drink than we knew what to do with which of course made for a great night! I'm super proud of Katie. She cooked the 21 lb. turkey for us. It took ALL day long and was SO tasty. I made a soup out of some of the leftovers. I loved another successful Thanksgiving feast in STL. What a blessing to have sweet friends to celebrate the holidays with here.

West Champions!

2010-11-17T11:59:00.001-06:00

I told you I would be busy and man am I ever! Wrapping up this semester is crazy! This weekend I flew in to Birmingham to go to the Auburn game. It was another great weekend in Auburn. I didn't have a ticket this time, they were going for $150-$200!! CRAZY! Instead, I spent the day hanging out at the tailgate and watching the game. I really do love spending a whole day hanging out, watching football, and eating.

You know it is a good weekend, first of all because Auburn won! Second, I got to talk to all 3 Ware girls within 24 hours! I loved getting to see Allie and Kelsey in the same day. Now if only the rest of the Ware/Martin families could have been present!

We had another successful tailgate with TONS of food to eat and LOTS of people stopping by. The sad thing is I don't know most of them now. I enjoyed spending my day hanging out at our tailgate holding my neighbor's twins, reading for school, eating ALL day, watching football, and people watching.

Mom and I went down to Toomer's corner to roll the tree before the UGA fans decided to light the TP on fire. We apparently missed all of that excitement.

At the end of the night we celebrated Mrs. Hinson's birthday with a cupcake from Gigi's. We still love her even if she is wearing the wrong colors!

Now that I'm back in STL I have tons of school still left to do before the semester is over. Looking forward to a few weeks for Christmas break!

Deathly Hollows

2010-11-07T21:45:00.000-06:00

I didn't ever think I would be excited about Harry Potter. The past few weeks though I have been watching the remaining movies with my roommates. Katie is finishing book 7 before the movie comes out. With all things Harry going on in our apartment it makes me really excited for HP7.1! I really never had any plan to get reeled in to this series but I think I am!

26

2010-11-03T15:53:00.000-05:00

That is the number of pages I have to write in the next 2 weeks. THAT is a lot of writing. Most of what I have done today is work on papers, yet I'm writing more for you.

The age I turn in 4 months. Crazy huh?!

The day (Nov. 26) I'm hoping we beat the pants off that "other" team.

The day (Dec. 26) to celebrate sweet people like...

And 26-2 days until the end of the semester!!

War Eagle!!

2010-10-29T23:12:00.000-05:00

So I know I'm a few days late on the post but my computer was a little bit slower joining me here in STL after the trip to AU. I had a little bit of trouble with the transition between cars so I went all week without a computer. NOW though I can show you all about my fall break!

Katie Traylor and I made a last minute decision to head to Auburn for the AU vs LSU game. Boy am I glad we went! After about 11 hours in the car we finally made it to spend time with friends and family for the weekend.
After some fun hanging out friends at Momma G's and their apartment I called it a night to prepare for an early game day! Dad and I set up the tailgate, with much success we were able to get the satellite going! Maybe next time Mr. Craig!

The TigerWalk was also another highlight of the trip. I wish I had gotten there a few minutes earlier to be a bit closer but it was still great to be in the midst of all the Auburn excitement.

Lastly, to be in the stadium for the game is probably about the best thing ever. I hope those of you that haven't been in a while get to go soon!

The university showed a video of service men and women repeating the Auburn Creed and thought I was going to cry at the end of it because it was SO good. Oh and check out the Creed on the side of the new coliseum. Isn't it gorgeous?! Still haven't gotten to check out the new sorority dorms but maybe I'll get to do that UGA weekend.

Auburn Bound!!

2010-10-21T08:21:00.002-05:00

It's official! I'm headed to The Plains this weekend!! What a great last minute, surprise trip for my fall break!

War Eagle!

Busyness

2010-10-17T20:00:00.000-05:00

This past week was non-stop. I worked almost 30 hours, took a midterm, and had a weekend class to attend. Oh and I made myself soup for the week too! Somehow I'm still kicking after all of that!
Working 30 hours is A LOT for a full time student. School had to take a seat on the back burner while I worked all the time.
Fall break is this weekend and I am ecstatic. I can't wait to have a few days off to relax and get some work done! I need all the time I can get right now. I have been so busy I haven't had time to think straight! I have so many things I want to bake right now and not enough time! I am ready for some fall goodies. Baked goods that contain pumpkin and spice and everything nice. I found some treats here that I would like to try, especially the molasses cookies with chocolate chips.

Happy soup and pumpkin spice season to you all.

Grief

2010-10-07T11:35:00.000-05:00

I read CS Lewis' A Grief Observed this past week. First time to read it. I highly recommend it-really good read, and super fast. He describes grief in ways that makes sense to me. Some of you know what I have been walking through this season with loss and grief of friends and life. So I just wanted to share some of Lewis' thoughts on grief that really resonated with me this semester as I continue to grow. But mixed in with all of this grief is hope. I have been thinking a lot about hope after a conversation with a friend on Tuesday. So there is hope in the midst of all of this. Know that I won't leave you strictly with these thoughts of grief but that there is hope coming later this week.

I have experienced loss and death before, but never in ways like this. I have learned though that we serve a mighty God and we are more loved than we could ever imagine or comprehend. The pain is great but the redemption is greater.

  "No one ever told me that grief felt so much life fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is life being afraid. The same fluttering on the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing.
  At other times it feels like being mildly drunk, or concussed. There is a sort of invisible blanket between the world and me. I find it hard to take in what anyone says. Or perhaps, hard to want to take it in. It is so uninteresting. Yet I want the others to be about me. I dread the moments when the house is empty. If only they would talk to one another and not to me" (1).

  "Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape. As I've already noted, not every bend does. Sometimes the surprise is the opposite one; you are presented with exactly the same sort of country you thought you had left behind miles ago. That is when you wonder whether the valley isn't a circular trench. But it isn't There are partial recurrences, but the sequence doesn't repeat" (69).

Scottish Games

2010-10-03T13:44:00.000-05:00

This weekend was the STL Scottish Festival. I have been waiting all summer for this weekend to roll around so I could go watch the dancing again and just be there to enjoy the festival. This time I was blessed enough to have a few friends come out to enjoy it with me. I was able to watch most of the dancing, some of the athletics and a little bit of sheep herding as well. Usually when I go I stay at the dance tent the whole time but with friends there I was able to enjoy the rest of the festival.
We all had a late lunch while there and I had a a bridie:
A bridie is similar in shape to a Cornish pasty, but the pastry is not as hard and no potato is used, making it much lighter in texture. It is made of minced beef, sometimes with onions and spices, placed on rolled-out pastry, folded into a semi-circular shape, and finally baked in an oven. (Wikipedia)

Michelle got a meat pie, which it has been AGES since I have had one of those. Hers was just filled with minced meat. After eating my bridie I forgot what Scottish food does to you. It sticks around all day. It is definitely not light fare because everything is greasy or fried! It was a beautiful afternoon to be in Forrest Park and enjoy the bagpipes. I just don't know that I am ready for this cool fall weather!

Life Lately

2010-09-25T23:03:00.000-05:00

Life lately hasn't been all that exciting. I have been getting in to the swing of life and what it is going to look like this semester. My job has finally picked up and I am working regular shifts MTW nights from 5-10 pm. I have class on Thursday nights so by the end of the week I am worn out!
Classes are going well and keeping me busy. I have a weekend class coming up in 2 weeks so I am trying to get one of the books read and reviewed before class starts. Plus I have the rest of my weekly assignments to take care of.
The weather here has changed and fall is on the way! It is about time to break out my jackets and sweaters to prepare for the cooler temperatures.

Not much else to update y'all on because life here has been pretty slow and boring. Hopefully I will have more exciting things to share with you guys in the coming weeks!

Greek Festival

2010-09-07T19:31:00.000-05:00

School has started! I have been in school almost two full weeks. I am only taking 10 hours this semester (minimum allowed) and it is fantastic. I feel like I have all this time on my hands. I think I need to give it a bit longer though and see how I feel once work starts tomorrow.

This weekend one of the Greek Orthodox churches had a festival all weekend. They gave tours of their church, served TONS of food and had dance performances. I went Monday for lunch. I got a gyro and had some of a dessert sampler. The dancing was okay. The kids dancing didn't really seem to be enjoying themselves. I think they were all tired of performing and way over the festival.

I might try the Japanese Festival next year and see if it is any better. Still, I love having all these options of things to do!

Huntsville again

2010-09-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

I have been burning up the highway between Huntsville and St. Louis this summer. I drove home again for another quick trip. This one was really quick. I left at 6:30 Friday morning and got home for a late lunch and some quality time with the Calvert family. I was so excited to see Jess, Ben, and Parker!

I hate that I won't get to see them again until Christmas but still glad I got some time to hang with you guys. Parker was only 10 days old when I got to see him. His eyes were closed most of the time so I chose to annoy him and get these aggravated faces out of him. I think he just wanted to be left alone to sleep and not be poked and prodded.

Saturday was party central. I had a baby shower and 2 weddings to attend.

It was great to be able to celebrate and see friends while I was at home even if it was brief. Unless you were at a wedding then I didn't get to see you. Life was just that crazy!

Sunday after the early service I hit the road back to STL. I pulled in just in time to unload the car, sit for a few minutes and then head out again. My church here had a picnic for seminary students. It was so good to be able to interact with the pastors, their wives and some of the elders. Plus, I got to hang out with some of the great seminary folks and dinner was free!

This is the first full week of school. Looking forward to getting settled in to a schedule. PLUS...I have a job! I'll be working at a progressive care retirement community. It is owned by the same group that runs the one in Jones Valley. Yay for employment!

Exciting Weekend

2010-08-20T10:59:00.001-05:00

While I was home I was surprised to find out that David and Caylen had flown in for the weekend. They had come in to celebrate an exciting weekend with Kelsey and the family. I got a few hours on Friday night with Caylen, David, and Mr. & Mrs. Ware. I'm pretty sure seeing C&D was one of the highlights of my trip home.

In case you haven't heard or figured out why they were home....Kelsey got engaged!! Whoohoo! Congrats to the happy couple! Saturday night was family dinner celebration. Too bad I missed out on all the fun. I love that we have a growing family.

One more on how quickly we are growing soon.

Year Anniversary

2010-08-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

I missed my year anniversary. Michelle and I wanted to celebrate living in STL for a year but we were out of town or busy when it happened. But I just wanted to mark being in STL for one year and completing the first year of three in the Counseling program!
What a year it has been! I ran out of gas for the first time, had a flat for the first time. I've learned about kefir and beer making (not that I've attempted the beer process, just tasted the fruits of Brook's labor). I have learned more about my faith, the PCA, and theology and realized I actually knew more than I thought. It has been an all around pretty good year. The Lord has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone and placed me in a season where I feel that I am constantly being grown and stretched. But I don't think there is any better place to do that than here alongside so many other people who are walking the same path.

Emily

2010-08-17T15:47:00.000-05:00

While I was home I had the privilege of celebrating Emily's birthday. Katherine, with the help of a few others whipped up a fantastic birthday dinner for us to eat in honor of Emily's 26th. It was great to be able to see some sweet friends and catch up on their lives as of late.
What better way to celebrate Emily's birthday than to be together with 3 of the sweetest girls I know! What a great night to be able to see Katherine, Emily, and Laura all at once.

Relaxing at Home

2010-08-14T17:04:00.000-05:00

This past week I spent some time at home again. One of the nights while I was home I went with the fam to a Maker's Mark Ambassador event. Maker's was revealing one of their new liquors 46. We were able to get a free sample and a free drink. Then they also had some appetizers for us to snack on too. These are the souvenirs we got from the evening. Thanks for the fun, free event Dad!

Donuts

2010-08-02T09:34:00.000-05:00

This weekend I did a little dog/house sitting. Other than Max having a bit more hair than I prefer it was a pretty great job. Over near Kristen's house is one of the donut shops that Mom/Dad started telling me about a few days prior because they had seen it on Food Network. So of course I wanted to try it out!

World's Fair Donuts is on Shaw, near the Hill and the Botanical Gardens. I went at 11 in the morning and there was still a line for fresh donuts. The line was totally worth it! I think I found a blueberry donut that rivals the Donut Hole in Destin. Yes, there are 4 donuts. Yes, I ate all of them in 2 days and it was totally worth it. They were really good. I loved the buttermilk cake donut and the blueberry cake donut. I would definitely go back for them.

MIA

2010-07-28T10:45:00.000-05:00

Well I have been MIA for a while now! To catch you up to speed on where I have been for I guess what has been almost a whole month since I last appeared, hang on. After the 4th I hung around STL for a bit longer. I am no longer living in my single room anymore. I moved into a double room of the apartment sharing my tiny space with Michelle.
After moving all my stuff I headed home for almost 2 weeks. I spent time hanging out with friends, eating Little Rosie's and standing by Laura Edwards Davidson in her wedding.
While home I also made a stop in Auburn to see friends and eat a Big Blue/Momma G's/BBQ House. It was fantastic to be back and see how much the town has grown! I also made a pit stop in B'ham to see Allison. It was a whirlwind stop but I'm hoping to make it back to see folks again! Oh, and don't forget quality pool time. Oh how I miss it!
Now I am back here in STL. Last night I went to the Muny to see The Sound of Music. Great performance and I LOVE that it is free! Now all I need is a pair of binoculars to see from our free seats.
I still don't have a job but have been applying to two or three jobs almost every day. Hoping to hear something back in the next 1-2 weeks. School starts back Aug 26. I'll be back in Huntsville for 2 weddings on the 28th and hopefully a baby too!

July 4th!

2010-07-07T17:23:00.000-05:00

Happy Belated July 4th!

This year I was able to get a double dose of fireworks. St. Louis is divided up in to different townships and almost each one does its own set of fireworks. On Saturday night I went out with a few girls to check out Webster Groves' community fair and fireworks. We walked around and split a funnel cake. They turned off the field lights and shot fireworks over the fairgrounds. It was a great night with the girls.

Sunday night a group of us went down to The Arch to watch the fireworks for the 4th. It was a great way to celebrate and WAY crowded. We were able to listen to the B-52s and hang out. Once it got dark enough the show started and was over faster than I was ready for. I know you can't really tell from the picture below but there were a TON of people there!

My new toy

2010-07-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

Life has been crazy around here lately. I've done some last minute travelling to be with friends and I am in the process of wrapping up my summer class, research methods. I think the most exciting thing that is going on around here right now is the surprise Mom and Dad sent to me via the Honeycutts. It came just in time for the 4th of July. Maybe I could even make some Butterfinger ice cream in honor of our family gathering (J&C)! But I know I have some strawberry sorbet and peach ice cream in my near future at least. The neighbors and I are all excited about my new toy!

One day you'll know

2010-06-17T12:52:00.000-05:00

That was the admissions slogan for Auburn while I was there. I don't know if it still is but it is one that is SO true. One day you will know. It isn't something that can be explained or understood by those who haven't experienced it. Boy do I miss being a part of game day tradition! Coach Chizik has a new website. Check it out!

While you are there, watch the Auburn Creed. It gives me chills.

Hoping I make it to a game this season.

KC Games

2010-06-15T15:07:00.001-05:00

Saturday I made the 4 hour trip to Kansas City for their Scottish Games. It was amazing! It has been almost 10 years since I have been to a games and I loved every minute of it. I spent about 3 hours watching the Intermediate and Premier dancers. Watching the performances was so much fun. I loved watching the different skill levels and different dances. (This dance is the Irish Jig.)

After hanging out watching dancing for several hours I moved to the Pub Tent to watch a performance from Tartanic. They are a Celtic rock group. And of all surprises I know one of the pipers in the band! Mike McNutt used to pipe for me and the rest of the group that did Scottish dancing in Huntsville. Such a surprise to see him. His group is really good and a lot of fun. They travel around to a lot of renaissance fairs. So maybe you could find their group at one.

I had hoped to see Mrs. B, my old dance teacher at the games, but she wasn't there (her son graduated from high school this weekend). She sells dance and other Scottish products. She also used to live in Kansas City. Although she wasn't there for the games she may be coming up for a workshop this year! I may just have to go so I can be taught by her again!

Truly a fantastic weekend. I'm looking forward to the games in October here in STL!

Rhubarb

2010-06-10T12:58:00.000-05:00

I am taking part in our community garden here on campus. We are growing different fruits, vegetables and herbs. One of the things that I have harvested so far this season is rhubarb. I don't think I have ever had rhubarb to eat until yesterday. I looked at lots of different recipes for something to bake and settled on this "pudding" cake. It is super easy to make and tastes really good. I would definitely make it again.

Summer class started this week. So I am in class Monday, Wednesday, Fridays from 12-4. It is a pretty slow class, research methods, so it makes paying attention really hard. I'm enjoying the slower pace of being able to hang out with friends and neighbors right now. I'm looking forward to a whole summer of relaxation and reading for fun. 2 Harry Potter's down!

Family time

2010-06-02T15:38:00.000-05:00

May 22 weekend the family came up for a visit. Yet again having visitors in town allows me to eat my way through STL. We took very few pictures while everyone was here but I will at least give you guys one from the day we visited The Arch. Some of our stops over the course of the weekend were Blueberry Hill, Fitz's root beer (I had a float with coffee ice cream and root beer on top), Mama Campisi's on the Hill, Schlafly and Sqwires. Oh and Pappy's Smokehouse which is always SO good. I miss good bbq and ribs. Yes, I started running/walking post this trip for all of the eating we did!

Eventually, Daniel will get his chance to go to the top of the Arch but this wasn't the visit. Maybe next time. Thanks y'all for coming up!

Spicy Chicken Sandwich

2010-06-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

I registered to pick up my free spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-a today. Much to my surprise I was given a whole meal, not just the sandwich! Thank you West County Chick-fil-a. With the spicy sandwich you can also get pepper jack cheese if you want it. Overall, not a bad sandwich, it has a definite kick to it but like Doug said the breading might be a bit heavy. You should try one when they release them!

Summer

2010-05-31T14:07:00.000-05:00

It has been brought to my attention by several people that I have taken a long hiatus from blogging. I know, I think I was just recovering from completing my first year in graduate school. Post finals I haven't wanted to do much writing for some reason. I have, on the other hand, done some baking.

May 23 weekend the family came up for a visit to STL. Doug and Daniel got their first whirlwind tour of the town. We also took some time to celebrate Doug's birthday. To do so I made him some Guinness and Bailey's cupcakes that are to die for. I have made them again since then. The cupcakes are rich and so good! The Guinness batter has a very distinct chocolate-Guinness taste before you bake them. But when they come out of the oven it is a little less Guinness and a lot more chocolate! I highly recommend baking some of these.

I am also without internet right now so the blogging may continue to be patchy at best. Sorry folks!

Full Fridge

2010-05-07T13:50:00.000-05:00

Living in an apartment with four girls it is easy to quickly fill up our refrigerator. We fill up until there is no room and then eat until it is almost empty. We are currently in the process of eating until empty. I bought a rotisserie chicken this week at Costco and decided to make some of it in to BBQ chicken.

The recipe is really quick and easy, which I like for during the week with class and other stuff going on. The only thing I did differently was add a little bit of brown sugar. I also didn't follow the amount of chicken, I probably used less.

I am having a friend over for dinner to share some of my food and catch some good time with her before she disappears for the summer! She is going to spend the summer working with the Yakama Nation in WA state. If anyone is looking for a cool ministry to support check out Sacred Road. I know Joelle would appreciate it!

Birthday weekend

2010-05-06T19:57:00.000-05:00

Not only was it Derby weekend but it was also Brook's birthday this past weekend. So in honor of both we had a birthday party and I made a Kentucky Derby Pie.

Sunday night we had a cookout at the neighbor's apartment and hung out with a handful of Brook's friends. Having grilled burgers is always so good. The weather is perfect now to be outside and enjoy hanging out with people. The sad thing is this is the first roomie picture we have together and Brook moves out in less than a month!

If you haven't ever had a Derby Pie you need to try it! It is kind of like a pecan pie but with chocolate chips! It is amazing and not good for you but so worth eating.

I also made an apple crisp this weekend, much less successfully. I was short on the butter and figured I would be fine-boy was I wrong. No worries though, ice cream covers up a multitude of mistakes!

Finals week is quickly approaching. My first group oral final is Wednesday to kick off the week! It is going to be busy!

Freshman Year

2010-04-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

Freshman year at Auburn I tried out for a handful of student organizations. I tried out for enough that I can't remember how many, it was a lot. My freshman and sophomore year I didn't make anything I tried out for which turned out to be pretty challenging. The good thing from all of that-I got a TON of interview experience! Eventually, I made CWE and spent two fabulous years working with some of my favorite people.

I feel like it is freshman year again as I keep "trying out" for things. I'm glad I have the interview experience and the updated resume' (Thanks to my Monday night career counseling class I had to update my resume). I know, just like freshman year, the Lord has something exciting out there for me. I just have to hold out for whatever that is. Until then, you can find me blogging, FB-ing, and getting website experience. Anything to occupy myself!

Blizzard

2010-04-22T10:56:00.000-05:00

This week until the 25th you can go to Dairy Queen and buy 1 blizzard and get the 2nd one for 25cents.

What a great deal!! Tuesday night after RCF (the college ministry I am working with) we all went out for Blizzards. It has been a while since I have had one. I highly recommend stopping by to pick one up! So many options to choose from!

SGA...who would have thought

2010-04-13T13:35:00.000-05:00

So last week was SGA elections on campus. It isn't anything like at Auburn. You get nominated by a peer and can accept or decline. I accepted. After that, we have elections by paper ballots that you stick in a box and are hand counted. Oh and did I mention that your picture is on the ballot too?

Any one else ever have bad ID pictures in college or on their license? This is my ID picture for school. This is the one that appeared on the ballot. People still elected me even though I look like a deer in the head lights. Amy, I just wanted to follow in your footsteps and be elected in grad school. Sunny days here. Back to book reviews.

My Latest Purchase

2010-04-12T11:10:00.000-05:00

For my birthday I has some money to spend. I thought about how to spend it, and I would like to say I thought long and hard, but I didn't. My long, hard thinking was more about picking between my options. One of my neighbors here in STL is a super talented artist. She works with metals and glass. So for my birthday I bought a new pair of earrings from her. She also designs rings, necklaces and larger pieces of artwork.

If I had more money I would buy more jewelry from Rachel because I LOVE her stuff! I wish the picture did more justice to the earrings because where the glass is it has turned the wire orange-bluish in places. They are so fun!

OK I must do school work at some point today. I just keep putting it off!

Easter Weekend

2010-04-06T07:59:00.000-05:00

I was back home again this weekend for Easter. This time though, Mom and Dad flew me home!! It was a super relaxing weekend where I did absolutely no school work. So now it is time to get back to it here in STL.

While home I of course made a few stops at Little Rosie's but also managed to squeeze in a trip to Dallas Mill Deli. If you haven't been I highly reccomend it. Their burgers and sandwiches are both good-especially toasted/grilled.

Also while home I got to see friends and hang out with family. We celebrated Daniel's 20th birthday...2...0...I can't believe he will be 21 next year. It kind of freaks me out! Daniel and I also watched the latest Harry Potter movie. One of my goals this summer is to read the Harry Potter series while school is slower.

Now back to school.

Huntsville!

2010-03-31T09:24:00.000-05:00

Huntsville is the last stop of our road trip. We didn't have much planned other than to relax and try and get back in to a normal sleeping pattern for school! Oh, and of course, eat at Little Rosie's!

Saturday morning after a slow start Mom and I took the ladies to Little Rosie's for lunch. They all enjoyed their first experience. I will be there again on Thursday.

We dropped Mom off and I drove them around downtown to see a bit of Huntsville and we stopped of at Harrison Brother's for a little excursion. I was probably in elementary or middle school last time I went to Harrison Brothers.

After our only outing of the trip I ditched all of the ladies at home and headed to Guntersville for a wedding. They throughly enjoyed themselves reading Better Homes and Gardens and Cooking Light, maybe even doing a little school work too while I was gone. Ashley Bradford and Billy Ramsey were married at the Lodge at Lake Guntersville. It was a treat to see such sweet friends from college that I haven't seen in months!

Pit Stop

2010-03-30T08:15:00.000-05:00

The road from Lakeland, FL to Huntsville, AL is LONG! It was close to a 14 hour day for us. Yes, a few stops helped lengthen to drive but so did a few back road detours.

Our first stop on the way to Huntsville was Gainesville, FL. Katie and Michelle both spent some time there during college. Michelle is a UF graduate, Katie spent her first two there and finished up at Samford, but she is the one with the hard core Gator Pride.

This was my first trip to the swamp. We walked through the main part of campus, grabbed lunch in the Union building (they have a much better selection than AU did-Subway, Starbucks, CheeburgerCheeburger, Freshens smoothies, and some Pollo Loco place), then walked through the stadium back to our cars. It amazes me that all the athletes get mopeds to ride! You can definitely tell who they are walking around campus. I loved being back on a college campus, but it is no Auburn!

After about 7 more hours of driving we stopped for dinner in Clanton, AL. We conveniently stopped at the Whataburger next to Peach Park. We got there before they closed and I was able to introduce Brook, Michelle, and Katie to the goodness of Peach Park. We had fried peach pies, peach cobble with ice cream, and the caramel peach ice cream. OH I love it all!

Then it was almost 3 more hours of driving due to detours before we made it to our last stop...Huntsville!

Next Stop, Lakeland.

2010-03-28T18:48:00.000-05:00

Our next stop of the trip was Lakeland, FL. Before we got to Lakeland we stopped of in Orlando for lunch with Pat, one of Michelle's friends.

Once in to Lakeland we spent the afternoon at Mitchell's coffee shop studying-like any good grad school spring breaker. What else would happen then Katie and Brook were asked to be interviewed for their opinions on current events in the world. So we watched, laughed and went back to studying. You can't tell in this picture, but Katie is barefoot because she darted out of the coffee shop without her shoes for the interview.

We spent some time hanging out with Michelle's family for dinner both nights. We had great timing because her mom was off work one day so we were able to eat lunch with her and snag dad too for his lunch break!

Here is a picture from our walk around one of the lakes in Lakeland. After our walk around town and more seafood (I love being in Florida) we went to the Santos family's new property. On their new property they have several orange and grapefruit trees. We picked a few of each and headed back home.

Lakeland was another relaxing quick trip. Next stop, Huntsville.

Stop 2 of Amazing Spring Break

2010-03-27T11:25:00.000-05:00

Leg two of the trip we stayed in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. When we got in to Sawgrass after a day of relaxing we celebrated my birthday with the most amazing dinner. We had more seafood than I knew what to do with! I had red snapper for dinner but that was only after we stuffed ourselves with seafood appetizers. I ate tuna, salmon, sea bass, scallop, shrimp, and crab cakes. It was a truly fantastic meal!

For my birthday my roomies (L-R: Katie, Michelle, and Brook) bought me toothpaste because I forgot mine in STL and had been using all of theirs! While in Sawgrass we stopped by TPC, also known as The Players Championship to check out the Clubhouse and ProShop. It was a beautiful course.

We did another night of seafood outside of Jacksonville at the Outback Crab Shack. We got a HUGE platter of fried seafood and another one of steamed. I ate crab legs, tried crawfish again-and I'm still ok not liking them. Shrimp, sausage, alligator tail, and other stuff that I'm not really even sure what it was because it was fried.

We also had a chance to sit in the hot tub at Katie's and just hang out. It was a great few days in Ponte Vedra to eat more good food and see Katie's family. Next stop, Lakeland, FL.

First leg of the race

2010-03-25T21:50:00.000-05:00

I feel like I am on Amazing Race this week. We left STL a little before 4pm on Friday and headed for Tucker, GA. We got in to bed around 3am. Katie was a trooper and drove the whole way! We had a great time hanging out with Scott and Silka and both dogs. Silka took us to Ikea for a browse around at all the cool stuff and some Swedish meatballs. Scott went for a walk with us at the park across the street. Really, it was more of a hike climbing over rocks and such.

Our dinner, which I wish I would have gotten a real picture of, was absolutely amazing. We had grilled pizza and killer martinis.
The pizza crust was homemade with some rosemary in the dough. Our cheeses were Parmesan, mozzarella, and feta. We had grilled red peppers and onions as well as spicy turkey sausage. We finished it off with fresh tomatoes and green onion. It was one of the most amazing pizzas I've had in a while. It is an Epicurious recipe in case you want to look it up.

The martinis, also amazing, were Chambord and vanilla vodka. I'm not really sure what else went in there but I just know they were strong and good.

Round one of our trip was a success. Next stop Ponte Vedra, FL!

Here we come!!

2010-03-18T10:31:00.000-05:00

Spring Break is upon us!! I know the week isn't over yet but I'm calling it today! Well, last night I had pretty much called it quits. Today I'm turning in 2 papers and working but I am done for the week. Tomorrow all I have to do is go to work. Then begins the Griswold Family Vacation.

My roommates and I are heading out tomorrow night for a road trip hitting most of our hometowns. First stop is Tucker, GA to see Brook's brother. After a few days there we are on to Jacksonville, FL to see Katie's family. Next stop is Michelle's family in Lakeland. After that it is Huntsville for a day and a half. I have a wedding Saturday. So we will be there long enough for some Little Rosie's and a wedding. Then back up to STL!

View Larger Map

I don't know how much rest we will actually get but we are going to have a blast! I'm excited to eat seafood in Florida and Little Rosie's at home. Hopefully I will have some updates from the road!

A new recipe

2010-03-11T20:38:00.000-06:00

Tonight was one of those "what can you make with what you have in the pantry" nights. I have been following this blog Budget Bytes and love that she breaks down the cost of the recipes. There have been several I have wanted to try but tonight was finally the night.
I had some sweet potatoes almost past due and turned them into enchiladas along with some black beans, corn, and red onion. It turned out to be a really good recipe. Cheap too because I had almost everything!
I didn't have poblano peppers so I used a small can of chilies instead and it worked out fine. I also didn't roast my potatoes. I baked them yesterday and cut them up today. My only recommendation would be to mix some sour cream in with the enchilada sauce before you put it on top. But, that is just the way I like it!

Happy eating!

2 Weeks to Go...

2010-03-07T17:52:00.000-06:00

2 Weeks until Spring Break! I have to buckle down for the next 2 weeks to get everything done before this much needed vacation! Tomorrow I have a group presentation during my evening class. We are teaching for 45 minutes on a career theory. I'm so glad that as of 9p.m. tomorrow night I will be done with all of my group projects! All that stands between me and spring break is 2 book reviews, a letter and resume draft, and a midterm. Hopefully I will survive all of this with a little work mixed in!

Since the weather has been so beautiful here this weekend after breakfast Saturday morning my roommates and I went on a morning walk around the neighborhood. Then for dinner we grilled out burgers. Oh how I LOVE grilled food. We borrowed a grill from the neighbors downstairs. Our burgers went great with the potato salad and macaroni and cheese. PW's macaroni and cheese turned out pretty good. I just added more cheese because you can't really go wrong with more cheese.

Today after church 3 of the roomies and another friend all went hiking at one of the state parks. I am so excited for the weather to be warming up!

Spring Break I will be heading home for a day, maybe two. I am doing a tour of hometowns with my roommates. We are making a stop in "Atlanta", I think it is really Tucker though. Then we will hit up Jacksonville and Lakeland, FL for a few days and end in Huntsville so I can go to a wedding Saturday.

Definitely looking forward to some time off from school. Other than my short breaks on the weekends I don't seem to have time to do much else around here. Life is pretty boring. School, work, church and lots of studying!

Spring is coming!

2010-02-28T21:34:00.000-06:00

March is almost here! I can't believe how quickly this semester is flying by! I am definitely not prepared for it. So much to do and so little time. I went on a walk this afternoon to enjoy the beautiful weather and got excited to see green popping up out of the ground. It looked like bulbs were sprouting! It has been cold and dreary for SO long! I am loving this sunny weather in the upper 40's, dreaming of 50's!
Life here pretty much consists of school. I have almost all my group projects due in a two week time frame which is adding a little extra pressure to the schedule trying to get in time to meet with all my group members in order to get the work done.
Spring break is March 22 week. Looking forward to a week off of school. Yes, I will be reading and studying for a midterm. Still, a week off from class will be fantastic!
Back to the books. March is gonna be a killer month for school.

Harrison and Abernathy Weekend

2010-02-14T18:55:00.001-06:00

This weekend my parents and the Harrisons came up for the weekend to play. We spent the weekend out on the town eating eating and drinking and exploring the sights. After they left Huntsville at 3:00 a.m. we went non-stop all day.

We were totally worn out from all of our adventures. After touring the Cathedral Basilica and eating at Dewey's Pizza we also made sure to check out Trader Joe's and the local Costco. We also got a tour of the Anheuser-Bush facility to see the horses and get our 2 free glasses of beer!

Saturday we managed to hit up Schlafly for a tour of their facility and fabulous lunch and some of their beer. We also beat the rush and hit Bailey's Chocolate Bar. The stout milkshakes that the guys got were amazing! Chocolate Stout beer with cinnamon ice cream mixed in, can't be beat!

We had to walk off all the food we ate on Saturday so went down to check out the arch. Slightly claustrophobic to ride up to the top so we just took pictures and walked through the museum. They were all excited to see the snow.

Ice Skating!

2010-01-20T22:38:00.000-06:00

Monday night a few of us went down to Forest Park to go ice skating. It has been a REALLY long time since I have been ice skating. As soon as I stood up and started walking I was pretty sure I was going to fall over. That first loop around the rink was pretty nerve-wracking.

It took me a few loops until I was comfortable skating but I am definitely not any good. I think it has been a long time since I have been ice skating because I don't really like it. Unless you are skating the same pace as someone else you don't really get to hang out with folks. Plus, there are a lot of other fun things to do that you are a lot less likely at breaking a part of your body!

Oh and did I mention it was an outdoor rink!? So fun to be skating outside. I just wished the rink was a little larger.

Emily!

2010-01-19T10:39:00.000-06:00

This weekend Emily came to visit! We had a fabulous time running all over town and eating at many of the places I have heard about but never been. When Emily got here we back toward town and hit the Central West End to check out their shops and The Cupcakery. After taking a red velvet and a chocolate cupcake with PB frosting (surprisingly that was mine) we shopped around. Friday night we went to dinner on The Hill which is the Italian part of town. I have heard from my roommates about Cunetto's but had yet to try it. So Emily and I went for an early dinner to beat the crowd and boy am I glad we did that! When we walked out there was probably a 2 hour wait!

Michelle also had a friend here for the weekend so the four of us spent a lot of time hanging out together getting to know one another. It was such a blessing that Ashley and Emily got along so well. Michelle and I were able to leave the two of them to go grocery shopping by themselves and have a great time together!

Saturday was another full day for us. Even though we didn't get out of the house until later in the afternoon we played hard! Emily and I ventured downtown to the City Museum since we have both heard so much about it. After climbing through caves, hiking up 7 flights of spiral stairs and sliding down slides for a few hours we decided we both needed a nap.

(I was too scared to climb that high so I just watched and took pictures!)

Dinner was probably the most fabulous meal ever. We went to Bailey's Chocolate Bar in Lafayette Square. WOW it was good. We split a small pizza and then each had our own dessert. My brownie and cinnamon ice cream was SO good. Emily got a flourless lava cake with coffee ice cream. I am happy to go there with every guest that comes in to town (they have blondies Alexa). After the sugar induced coma we went to a coffee shop to hear a CTS student play and meet up with some other folks from school.

Sunday night Emily and Ashley were satisfied with the few friends they met Saturday so they convinced Michelle and I to have a party at our house. Sunday night we had close to 20 people over to games and Globe watching.

I am still recovering from staying up late every night with these ladies!

Aloha!

2010-01-06T20:21:00.004-06:00

This weekend we celebrated Nana's 88th birthday. We had a luau for she and her friends and many of them stopped by to get "lei'd". We had a great turnout and SO much food to eat. The MaiTai's were really good and man can we put away some alcohol with Nana and her friends!

Jordan was a trooper and came to hang out with us for the duration of the party! Too bad Daniel didn't tell her to wear her mom's Rainbow Rhythm Band shirt or they could have matched! Yes, Dad and I matched! The moo moo and shirt were Nana and PawPaw's from one of the trip to Hawaii. Even more entertaining, I had multiple moo moos to choose from to wear for the party!

Thanks to the Harrison's for AMAZING cupcakes. Special thanks to the Ware and Martin families for their food and help. It was another successful WAM evening. I look forward to an exciting weekend in Nashville!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T22:03:00.003-06:00

Vacation has been great. I couldn't have asked for a better new year's celebration. I got to spend time with some of my best friends and hear about life and all of the excitement Huntsville and Arizona bring to their lives! C&D and J&B I am so thankful for you guys! I am so glad we got to hang out together!After dinner and catching up I headed to see other friends for NYE. I have been so blessed to have such sweet friends in Huntsville. Stephen knows how to throw a good party!

Huntsville!

2009-12-24T16:17:00.004-06:00

I have been home for a little over a week now and it has been glorious! I am enjoying staying up late and sleeping even later! It is wonderful to be able to watch tv, movies and just relax!

My first full day in town I rode with 3 friends up to Nashville to see Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God concert. It was in Huntsville a week earlier but I had missed it because I was in STL. The trip to Nashville was wonderful! We ate dinner at Fido's, which I highly recommend for their food-coffee is a little expensive. It is a great place to people watch!

The concert at the Ryman was so good. I forgot the only downside to the Ryman is you are squeezed in to the pews like you are in a football stadium. Each person gets all of 4 inches for their seat. So you have to really like cuddling up with your neighbors.

And one of the great surprises of the night was all the other people I got to see! Julieann Kearns and Leslie McClenny were both at the concert. Plus, there were 3 different couples from school that came in town for the concert! So the night was full of surprises and fun!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Finished!!

2009-12-15T17:43:00.002-06:00

The first semester is over!! I am so excited I am done with the first semester!! WOOHOOO!

The final stretch was a rough one for me. I have pretty much been sick with some form of a cold or sinus infection since Thanksgiving and it decided to go full force on me the week of finals. For about 2 days I was laid up on the couch being pretty pathetic using up a whole box of Kleenex.

I was able to pull it together long enough one night to go out and see 1o out of Tenn a group of artists out of the Nashville area. I went with Brian and Rebecca and had a fabulous time! Matthew Perryman Jones and Will Sayles were part of the group. I haven't seen either of them play since high school, but oh how it brings back memories!

So many AMAZINGLY talented artists are a part of that TOT. I highly recommend checking all of them out! Looking forward to some R&R in Huntsville! Can't wait to see everyone.

I'm heading home in the AM!

Christmas party!

2009-12-07T08:04:00.002-06:00

This weekend was the Seminary Christmas Banquet. The banquet was at a local glass factory so during the heavy hourdeurves they had some guys creating different pieces (heating and blowing the glass).

Michelle, (below) my roommate and Sally from our program all rode to The Loop together. Thanks Caylen for a great dress. I got lots of compliments.

The only problem with winter parties here is it REALLY is COLD! The night of the party was in the upper 20's. Yes, that's right. So I took my sweater off once to dance. Otherwise I lived in it! Definitely a new experience partying in the cold.

Katie Traylor and I are still doing school together after 4 years in the same program at Auburn. We apparently couldn't get enough! I love having her here though!Happy early anniversary to Brian and Rebecca! So thankful for their sweet family!

Finals start today! I take my first one this afternoon then start studying for my second/last final. I also have to formulate a 10-page theories paper. So much fun! I'll be in Alabama soon!

Thanksgiving Break

2009-12-01T07:58:00.003-06:00

This Thanksgiving while Nana and the family were celebrating an Iron Bowl Thanksgiving I was here in STL celebrating with friends. I came out from under my pile of books to enjoy more food and drink that was humanly possible to consume. Me and 9 of my new friends I made this year got together for a meal on Thursday night. Frank, one of our classmates was even kind enough to donate 2 bottles of champagne for the celebration!Jonathan and Christina were sweet to host it in their apartment in order to make good use of their new dining room table! Christina made her first turkey for Thanksgiving and did a fantastic job!My contributions were a pumpkin pecan pie (got the recipe from a roomie even though I didn't follow it). It was really tasty! Good taste and texture combination!The other dessert I made was a Gingerbread Apple Upside-Down Cake. It was a complete hit! I really loved it. Definitely a different taste than what I am normally eating (gingerbread that is) but totally worth it! Also, it does require a little bit more work than the pumpkin pie.Overall it was a great Thanksgiving with wonderful new friends. I was able to accomplish a lot for school and it will be extremely helpful as I head in to the last week of school and finals!

Happy December!

Costco!!

2009-11-17T19:34:00.005-06:00

Super excited Costco opened tonight!! I've been waiting now for a few months. When I say waiting, I mean I emailed Costco to find out the official date that they were opening. Tonight was the grand opening and I needed milk so what better reason to go! Tons of people and TONS of samples!

Why I love Costco...

$1.50 Hotdog & a coke

Free samples (helps make for a bigger lunch or dinner)

Like tonight...I really wasn't hungry after shopping because there was SO much food to eat.

Cheap milk! Between Costco and Sam's I can get the cheapest milk in town!

Costco brand liquor and beer. A bottle of vodka bigger than Grey Goose and way cheaper.

Winter clothes anyone? They have real and fake Uggs. NorthFace jackets, smart wool socks and just about any other winter gear you might need!

Good books for good prices...not that I have time for extracurricular reading at this point. Maybe in another 2-3 years.

And yes, I felt like a creeper taking pictures in Costco. But, I am SUPER excited it is finally open! Now I have a new place to shop/wander because I can't eat all that food.

The City??

2009-11-11T16:12:00.005-06:00

Who says I live in the city? Because really it is much closer to the 'burbs. I am at a major highway interchange but still not quite what I would call "the city". Still, living here isn't the country. So I don't expect to see all kinds of wildlife running around. Boy was I mistaken! The surrounding towns aren't kidding when they say "deer next 2 miles". One night driving home I'm pretty sure I saw about 20 deer in a 2.5 mile stretch.

What I wasn't expecting to see today was a deer on the side of the road in the middle of town. Right next to an upscale neighborhood grocery store and shopping center. The funniest part was when the school bus stopped next to me and the kids in the bus peered out the window at the deer. One comment was, "Yup, it sure is dead".

Thanks for joining random thoughts with Mary Martha.